United Celebrate 21 years of Fergie
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by Jgiuffra
Manc Yank's Red Review #4
Tonight’s match against Dynamo Kiev at Old Trafford will mark 21 years of exceptional service for Sir Alex Ferguson. There would no better present than an emphatic win against the Ukrainian champions that would propel the Red Devils into the knock-out stage of the Champions League with two matches left to play—except perhaps bringing the trophy home to Manchester in May.
Ferguson is 3 years away from tying Sir Matt Busby’s record of 24 years in charge of the Red Mancunians. He eclipsed Busby’s haul of 8 trophies years ago—Fergie has 29 in total—but he would like to make it 25 years of service if at all possible to cement his position as the Red’s longest serving and most successful boss. It’s strange to think back to 3 or 4 years ago when Mourinho’s Chelsea and Wenger’s Gunners kept the silverware out of the hands of the Scot and it was rumoured that he was going to retire. When he was employing a new strategy in Europe—that very unsuccessful 4-5-1 that killed us in the League too —everyone thought he had lost the plot—me included. Many thought that his ways would see United slip from glory and into mediocrity if some new blood was not brought in at the top. Every naysayer was wrong.
The celebrated united boss is confident that his squad has the talent and the drive to go all the way in Europe this campaign. He said in his programme notes for tonight’s match “I really think we are capable of going all the way…At this moment in time I am very positive about that. I think this team can go far.” With the team’s current form anything is possible. He wants to make sure that his new crop of youngsters have the same success that his famous ones in the 90's had. He feels it would be a tragedy to pea a 'nearly there' team. Last year's league title gave the team a taste of what winning at Manchester United is all about, pride in youself, your team and your boss.
Tonight’s Match
United come into the match with just about everyone available—Gary Neville picked up a calf strain in training yesterday and will probably not be available until December and there will be no Paul Scholes in the side until January at the soonest. Other than that, all the stars will be out there. You can expect a back line of Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic and John O’Shea. The midfield will consist of Ronaldo, Anderson (possibly Carrick), Hargreaves and Giggs. I would imagine that he’s going to give Rooney and Tevez the start up-front. There is a possibility that he will go with Saha instrad of Teves because the Argentinean was a non-presence against Arsenal last Saturday. Whichever way the gaffer goes United’s side will be packed with international talent.
Since their last meeting two weeks ago Dynamo Kiev’s new boss Joszef Szabo has had to relinquish his job temporarily due to heart complaints—I’m not sure if it gave out after the 1-0 home defeat by FC Metalist Kharkiv leaving the club 3 rd in their domestic league 10 points adrift of leaders Shaktar Donesk.
Luzhny’s debut for Arsenal was against United in the Community Shield in 99. The gunners ran out 2-1 winners on the day. He was also in the Arsenal side that was dismantled by United at old Trafford 6-1. The cagy Dynamo boss is keeping his final line-up a guarded secret. One thing for sure is that both teams will be going for it. Kiev have yet to secure a point in the group stages and a draw at Old Trafford does them no good and United will be looking to put on a show for their bosses’ anniversary. United could run riot like Liverpool did last night against Benfica if they manage to score early.
I would not be surprised if United put four or more on the board again but I feel 3-0 will be the result with Rooney getting a brace and one for Vidic—header from a corner.
As Fergie doesn't want to consider retiring until United lift the Champion's League trophy, the Red Devils should use this night to put out a statement of intent and as a tribute to the most successful manager in English football history!
Come on United!!
